Chelsea are in a rebuilding phase this summer under Frank Lampard, and Ajax star Nicolas Tagliafico one of several players they are interested in, as per reports.
A story from Sky Sports claims that Chelsea look at Tagliafico as an alternative transfer target should they fail to land Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell.
Leicester City have place a pretty steep price tag on Chilwell, but is Tagliafico a viable alternative for the Chelsea?
Nicolas Tagliafico – Experience and style of play
The 27-year-old only moved to Europe with Ajax back in 2018, but has already established himself as one of the most consistent full-backs in Eredivisie.
A regular in the first team for the Dutch outfit, Tagliafico had his best season recently, where he registered three goals and four assists in just 23 league starts.
Also read: Chelsea Linked With A Move For £65m Rated Midfielder
Capable of playing as a centre-back as well, the Argentine international is a gifted player, who can make things happen with the ball at his feet.
Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images
His vision and passing ability allow him to dictate the game from full-back, but his ability to sit back and defend, to soak up pressure and frustrate the opponents makes him an all-round player.
Is Tagliafico the right player for Chelsea?
Emerson Palmieri and Marcos Alonso are the options Lampard has for the left-back role in the first team. But both names are more effective in wing-back position, which has led to the Blues looking for a new player for the role.
Tagliafico is a strong presence in and around both the both boxes and his build-up play has been crucial for Ajax’ success in the last couple of seasons. He is a dynamic full-back, and given his versatility, he could do a decent job in the free-flowing system at Chelsea.
His style of play will allow Lampard’s system to flourish and could make Chelsea stronger at the back as well. However, even at 27, the Argentine star does not have too much experience at the highest stage and could take time to settle in.
Tagliafico will certainly play at Chelsea in his prime if he completes this move but, he may not be a first-team option straight away for Lampard.
Chilwell, on the other hand, has loads of experience in the Premier League and could break into the first team straight away.
The asking price for the Leicester City star is the only deal-breaker for Chelsea and Tagliafico could do a decent job as an alternative. But Chilwell also fills the homegrown quota for the club so they may be tempted to pay the premium and take the less risky option of the two this summer.